Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store

For pet enthusiasts across Massachusetts, finding a pet store that offers more than just standard fare is a true delight. In the heart of Somerville, a beloved local establishment named **Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store** stands out as a unique destination, particularly for those with an interest in exotic animals and a wide variety of aquatic life. This isn't your typical chain pet shop; it's a "hidden gem," as many customers describe it, offering a personal touch and a depth of knowledge that truly sets it apart.

Established in 1970 and incorporated in 1990, Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store has a long-standing history of serving the Massachusetts pet community. Under the dedicated ownership of Mr. Armand Ghioni, the store has cultivated a reputation for its diverse selection of animals, ranging from vibrant fish and exotic birds to unique amphibians and reptiles. What truly defines the Big Fish Little Fish experience, however, is the palpable passion and extensive expertise of its owner. Armand Ghioni and his team are committed to providing healthy animals and ensuring that every customer receives the detailed guidance needed to properly care for their new companions. For Massachusetts locals, this means access to a knowledgeable resource where the love for animals is evident in every interaction, making it a reliable and cherished part of the local pet landscape.

## Location and Accessibility

Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store is conveniently located at **55 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144, USA**. This address places it in a bustling part of Somerville, a vibrant city just northwest of Boston, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the Greater Boston area and surrounding communities in Massachusetts.

Elm Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Somerville, and the store's location makes it reachable by various means. For those driving, Somerville offers a mix of street parking and municipal lots, though it's always advisable to check for specific parking availability in the immediate vicinity of the store. The area is also well-served by public transportation. Elm Street is close to popular spots like Porter Square, which is a significant hub for the MBTA Red Line and several bus routes (like the 87 bus). This excellent connectivity via public transit provides a convenient option for customers who prefer not to drive, ensuring that pet owners from across Massachusetts can easily access this unique store.

## Services Offered

Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store provides a range of services centered around the sale of diverse pets and the expert guidance needed to care for them, making it a valuable resource for specialized pet needs.

• **Sale of Exotic and Diverse Pets:** The store is well-known for its wide variety of live animals. Customers can find tropical and freshwater fish (including Bettas, as mentioned in a review), exotic birds (like parakeets), axolotls, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and other small animals. This diverse selection caters to a broad spectrum of pet enthusiasts.
• **Comprehensive Pet Supplies:** Alongside live animals, the store offers essential supplies for the pets they sell. This includes food, tanks, equipment, toys, and other accessories needed for the care and comfort of fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals.
• **Expert Advice and Consultation:** A key service is the personalized advice provided by the owner, Armand Ghioni, and his staff. They are highly knowledgeable about all their animals and take the time to explain everything from setting up the right tank to specific care requirements. This consultative approach helps customers make informed decisions and ensures the well-being of the pets.
• **Special Ordering (Implied by customer review):** One review specifically mentions that if the store doesn't have a specific item or animal, "they can get it." This suggests a special ordering service for hard-to-find items or particular animal breeds, further enhancing their offering.

## Features / Highlights

Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store truly shines due to several distinctive features and highlights that make it a local favorite among Massachusetts pet owners:

• **Unmatched Variety of Exotic Pets:** A prominent highlight is the store's impressive and somewhat unconventional selection of animals. From "axolotls to exotic birds," and a vast array of tropical and freshwater fish, the store provides options beyond what typical chain pet stores offer. The presence of specific, hard-to-find birds like an "albino parakeet" further underscores this unique variety.
• **Owner's Passion and Expertise (Armand Ghioni):** The owner, Armand Ghioni, is consistently praised in reviews for his "lot of knowledge regarding all of his animals, fish, birds and reptiles." Customers frequently highlight his "kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable" demeanor, noting that he "truly loves all animals" and "takes pride in his work." This personal engagement and evident passion create a truly authentic and trustworthy shopping experience.
• **Personalized Customer Service:** Unlike larger chain stores, customers appreciate that "the owner actually greets you and takes pride in his work" and "does not rush anyone." He "takes his time with each customer to explain things," providing invaluable, unhurried guidance on pet care and tank setups.
• **Healthy Animals:** Customers consistently report receiving "very healthy and full of life" animals, such as the albino parakeet and healthy betta fish housed in "roomier and aerated tanks" compared to competitors. This commitment to animal welfare is a critical highlight.
• **"Hidden Gem" Status:** The store is frequently referred to as a "hidden gem" and a "Somerville/Cambridge gem," indicating its unique charm and value to the local community. This local appreciation speaks volumes about its quality and character.
• **Long-Standing Local Business:** Established in 1970, Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store has a rich history in Massachusetts, providing a sense of established trust and reliability within the community.

## Contact Information

For inquiries about available pets, specific supplies, or to seek expert advice, you can contact Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store using the following details:

Address: 55 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144, USA

Phone: (617) 666-2444

For mobile users, you can also dial: +1 617-666-2444

The store's website also provides contact options and current operating hours.

## Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners and animal enthusiasts residing in Somerville and across Massachusetts, Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local resource. Its prime location on Elm Street in Somerville, coupled with accessibility via major public transportation routes, ensures that it's a convenient destination for a broad range of customers from the Greater Boston area.

What truly makes this store a "hidden gem" is its distinctive specialization in exotic and diverse pets, offering everything from "axolotls to exotic birds" and a vast array of healthy fish. This unique selection caters to niche interests that might not be fulfilled by larger, more generalized chain pet stores, providing locals with access to hard-to-find animals and specialized supplies. The fact that they can even "get it" if they don't have it in stock further enhances its value as a comprehensive local solution for unique pet needs.

However, the most compelling reason this place is suitable for locals is the unparalleled knowledge, passion, and customer-centric approach of its owner, Armand Ghioni. Reviews consistently praise his welcoming demeanor, his willingness to "take his time with each customer to explain things," and his genuine love for animals. This personalized expert guidance, which is often missing in larger retail environments, builds immense trust and ensures that customers are well-informed and confident in caring for their new pets. This makes the experience of acquiring a new animal not just a transaction, but a supportive and educational journey.

In essence, Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store is more than just a place to buy pets and supplies; it's a cherished community institution rooted in expertise, passion, and exceptional customer service. For any Massachusetts local seeking a unique pet, high-quality supplies, and invaluable advice from someone who "truly loves all animals," this Somerville establishment is an indispensable and highly recommended destination.

Big Fish Little Fish Pet Store

55 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144, USA